Advanced Air Mobility Modern Flying News

Air Ambulance Service Metro Aviation Orders 20 Beta Electric VTOL Aircraft

Deposit-backed order makes Metro one of the first air medical service providers in the U.S. to add electric aircraft to its fleet.

Tuesday, November 05, 2024 at 03:06 PM ET

Verified

Beta’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) Alia could join Metro Aviation’s air ambulance network following expected FAA certification in 2026. [Courtesy: Beta Technologies]

Key Takeaways:

Metro Aviation, an air ambulance service, has placed a deposit-backed order for up to 20 Alia electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft from Beta Technologies.
The adoption of these all-electric VTOL aircraft aims to enhance Metro's air medical network by improving mobility, lowering operating costs, and achieving zero-emission operations.
Metro Aviation selected Beta Technologies for its perceived superior product and Beta's proactive development of an extensive electric aircraft charging network across the U.S.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Metro Aviation, which operates air ambulance services across the U.S. using a fleet of more than 150 modified helicopters, plans to add electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft to its arsenal.

The Shreveport, Louisiana-based firm on Monday announced it placed a deposit-backed order for as many as 20 Alia VTOL aircraft from manufacturer Beta Technologies. The unique design—which falls under the first new category of aircraft the FAA has created in decades—lifts off vertically like a helicopter but cruises on fixed wings.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.